NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PAGCOR Cracks Down On Gambling Billboards To Curb Risky Promotions
Photo credit: Bet88
In a move to curb the visibility of gambling promotions in public spaces, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate removal of all gambling-related billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements.
This directive, announced in a press release dated July 11, 2025, stems from a memorandum issued on July 7. It instructs licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to dismantle all gambling ads—whether on billboards, trains, buses, jeepneys, or taxis.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco explained that only responsible or institutional gaming campaigns—with prior PAGCOR approval—will be allowed moving forward. “We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” Tengco said.
Before that, however, stakeholders must submit a full inventory of their current billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16. The report must include details such as size, materials used, location, rental terms, contract end dates, and permit numbers from the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
Tengco emphasized that this effort is part of PAGCOR’s broader mission to promote safer and more responsible gaming across the country. “While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he stressed.
The agency underscored that regulating excessive and widespread gambling promotions is a necessary step toward protecting vulnerable groups—particularly the youth.
PAGCOR also issued a warning: dismantled ads should not be replaced with new gambling promotions. Non-compliance, the agency said, will be dealt with accordingly.
This directive, announced in a press release dated July 11, 2025, stems from a memorandum issued on July 7. It instructs licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to dismantle all gambling ads—whether on billboards, trains, buses, jeepneys, or taxis.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco explained that only responsible or institutional gaming campaigns—with prior PAGCOR approval—will be allowed moving forward. “We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” Tengco said.
Before that, however, stakeholders must submit a full inventory of their current billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16. The report must include details such as size, materials used, location, rental terms, contract end dates, and permit numbers from the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
Tengco emphasized that this effort is part of PAGCOR’s broader mission to promote safer and more responsible gaming across the country. “While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he stressed.
The agency underscored that regulating excessive and widespread gambling promotions is a necessary step toward protecting vulnerable groups—particularly the youth.
PAGCOR also issued a warning: dismantled ads should not be replaced with new gambling promotions. Non-compliance, the agency said, will be dealt with accordingly.
Jul 11, 2025
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